What’s Happening

On October 5, 2026, higher education organizations filed a lawsuit challenging the government’s new interpretation of the rules for F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) that significantly restricts when F-1 students may participate in CPT. The lawsuit, Association of American Universities v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, No. 1:26-cv-14520, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and challenges two SEVP Broadcast Messages issued on August 12 and August 24, 2026, which significantly narrowed the agency’s interpretation of when practical training qualifies for CPT. The plaintiffs have also asked the court to block the government from implementing and enforcing the challenged interpretation while the litigation proceeds.